Senate honors Rockmount Ranch Wear, welcomes Forest Health Council and visiting students

DENVER — The Colorado Senate used Thursday’s floor time for ceremonial recognitions and introductions, honoring a long-running western apparel business, spotlighting a state advisory council on forest health and welcoming visiting students.

Senator Catlin read a tribute recognizing Rockmount Ranch Wear on its 80th anniversary, calling the company "a family-led institution" tied to Colorado’s cultural heritage. Quoting the company’s founder, Catlin said, "The West is not a place. It's a state of mind," and asked visiting company representatives to stand for recognition. The tribute noted the company's flagship store and museum on Wazee Street and described the founder, known in remarks as "Papa Jack," as an early innovator in western wear.

Senator Cutter introduced members of Colorado's Forest Health Council, which the transcript says was created by a Senate bill and is administered by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The senator described the council’s recent work: development of a 30-year vision for forest health facilitated with Fire Adapted Colorado, creation of a forest resilience planning guide and support for workforce legislation targeting forestry and wildfire mitigation. The council was described as a 26-member volunteer body including state and federal agencies, policymakers, scientists, utilities, local governments and other stakeholders.

Senator Coleman asked scholars from University Prep’s Arapahoe Street campus to stand and be recognized, emphasizing the value of civic engagement for young people.

The recognitions were framed as acknowledgments rather than policy decisions; no formal votes on the items were recorded.